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The supervisor's role questions for the Supervisory (SUP) specialist test

5 free questions on The supervisor's role, from section E. Specialist: Supervisory. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Easier ·Link to this question (question 1)

You have just been made a site supervisor.

What should you understand about your company's health and safety policy?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only what it says about paperwork
  2. B. What it says and where you fit in
  3. C. Nothing, as the policy is only for directors
  4. D. Only the page with the emergency phone numbers on it, for the site office wall
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. It is about how work is done safely, not just forms.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says supervisors should understand the health and safety policy, where they fit in, and how the employer wants health and safety managed.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Supervisors put the policy into practice on site.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. You need to know your part in managing health and safety.

Explanation

Supervisors need to know what is expected of them, understand the safety policy and their part in it, and make sure workers understand the risks.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

You supervise a gang of experienced groundworkers and two new starters.

How much supervision should each person get?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. None for the new starters, so they learn faster
  2. B. Only for the experienced workers, as they do the hardest jobs
  3. C. More for the new starters, based on risk and competence
  4. D. Exactly the same for everyone
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. New and inexperienced workers need more supervision, not less.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Inexperienced workers usually need the most supervision.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says some workers need more supervision than others, including those new to the job or inexperienced. The level should balance the risk of the job and the person's competence.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Supervision should match the risk and each person's competence.

Explanation

Match the level of supervision to the risk of the job and the competence of the person. New and young workers need more.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A supervisor is so busy with paperwork and phone calls that they rarely get out onto the site.

Why is this a problem?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It isn't, as paperwork is the main part of the job
  2. B. Only because they might miss a delivery
  3. C. Only because the client may visit
  4. D. They can't see the work or talk with workers
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Supervising means seeing the work and talking with the people doing it.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The bigger risk is unsafe work going unnoticed.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Supervision is about the work, not appearances.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says problems emerge with heavy workloads and inadequate resources, and supervisors need the time and opportunity to interact with others.

Explanation

Supervisors need the time and resources to be on site, watch the work and talk with workers.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

You have taken on subcontractors for part of a job.

What does HSE say supervisors should be able to do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Check the contractors' work is being done as agreed
  2. B. Leave contractors alone, as they are responsible for themselves
  3. C. Only check their timesheets
  4. D. Only speak to the contractors' office
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says there should be arrangements so supervisors can check the work of contractors is being done as agreed.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Supervisors should be able to check contractors' work.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The check is about how the work is done.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Supervisors should check the work on site.

Explanation

Supervisors should check that contractors are working as agreed, safely and to the method.

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Question 5

Harder ·Link to this question (question 5)

You are chosen to become a supervisor. You know the job well but have never planned other people's work.

What does HSE say supervisors need?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing extra, as anyone can supervise
  2. B. Planning and communication skills, and hazard knowledge
  3. C. Only to be the best at the trade
  4. D. Only more years on site than anyone else in the gang, whatever their skills
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Supervisors need the right skills and training.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says supervisors need skills for supervisory activities (planning, communication, delegation) and a thorough understanding of local hazards and controls.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Trade skill helps, but supervising needs other skills too.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Experience matters, but so do planning and communication skills.

Explanation

Good supervisors know the hazards and controls, and can plan, communicate and delegate. They may need training for the role.

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